How do you feel about the pay?

[millhouse]

When I started this job I knew it didn't pay well. But I tried to look on the bright side (being at school with my daughter, the hours, the holidays and summers off) but it is really getting to me. I happen to come across the pay scales for the county and I am grouped in there and make around the same as Cafeteria workers and bus drivers. I am not saying that these people are not important or that I am better than them But it just doesn't see right and I am having a hard time getting over it. I know I don't have to tell you all the amount of responsibility placed on the nurse... but it is a great responsibility placed on my license. I am not on the pay scales of the teachers (as I know some of you are) and they make over double what I make. I understand that this is the world of education and us nurses are at the bottom of to totem pole. But it makes me feel like my education and training is not valued or respected as a profession. I feel all alone about this, so hoping to get some feedback from you guys! Thanks!

[Dranger]

Its's all about worth perception. A nurse managing vented patients on the brink of death working 12 hour nights will get compensated a lot more than a school nurse. I value school nurses for what they do but if they made anywhere near what I make in the ICU/PCU I would be livid.

Hospital pay should trump any nursing job on the outside, period.

[GatezRN]

I agree Dranger. I also work in the ICU, but am dropping to per diem status to accept a school nurse job that pays about half of what I make at the hospital. But, what I'm losing in pay I'm gaining in convenient hours, no holiday or weekend obligation, and no more evening shifts!!! And, I'm going to be at the school my kiddos attend. I'm looking forward to this change. I love critical care nursing, but I love my family more and this is going to work perfectly for me.